Service Times:


Sundays
9:45 AM Sunday School - Suite D
11:00 AM - Worship Hour - Suite D
5:30 PM - Evening Service - Suite D

Wednesdays
6:30 PM Service and Prayer Meeting - Suite D

Thursdays
6:45 PM - College & Career - Fellowship and Study - Suite D

 
Finally!
 
The day we've been waiting for finally arrived.  Our Fellowship Hall/Student & Children Center finally passed all the inspections with flying colors.


Children's Department Grades 1-5




Nursery




Teen's Hang Out




Sanctuary




Student/Children/Nursery Center




Journey Baptist Church is off and Running!



Workday

 

There will be a work day on October 9 beginning at 9 AM to help the Brazell's with painting the student center.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LifeLines for Men

 

We're definitely excited about Lifelines.  Lifelines is Journey's small group's for men's connection.
 
Lifelines is about being anchored to each other with God, His Word, and men to study, to build friendships, to celebrate good news and to support one another when trouble comes.
 
God has given us a lifeline called "The Bible".  Each week we will read portions of it and record something that we found useful for daily living.  We will also memorize phrases and verses from Scripture. These lifelines keep us safer and help us from falling overboard with questionable behavior.
 
A simple but useful special treat will be provided that has not been introduced in any study ever before, but you must be present to hear all about it. 
 
Come to our Journey's first men's breadfast:
 
October 2, 7:30 AM
Student Center.
636 Pine Ridge Drive, Suite B
 

Service Times:



Sundays
9:45 AM Sunday School - Suite D
11:00 AM - Worship Hour - Suite D
5:30 PM - Evening Service - Suite D

Wednesdays
6:30 PM Service and Prayer Meeting - Suite D


Thursdays
6:45 PM - College & Career - Fellowship and Study - Suite D


It's All About Buildings!

Finally have a place we can call home.  Our second building had it's last inspection and it passed.  Hooray!  We rec'd keys to the building today.

Greg Moore spent the entire day working hard at prepping and painting the nursery.  It looks great!  While he was painting, Dee Bannister began to clean the kitchen.  In our second building, Jeannette was busy tutoring children.  In all that work, I saw Jim Middleton in there changing light bulbs and helping others.  Teresa Brazell was in there dusting, cleaning and putting up signs.  Ruth Heacock was dusting walls prepping them for a coat of paint.

Wednesday night service was well attended with 35. One lady who has three young boys has been moved emotionally by the friendliness and hospitality of the church.  She said she "feels like she has found a home". God is good!

Service Times:


Sundays
9:45 AM Sunday School - Suite D
11:00 AM - Worship Hour - Suite D
5:30 PM - Evening Service - Suite D

Wednesdays
6:30 PM Service and Prayer Meeting - Suite D

Thursdays
6:45 PM - College & Career - Fellowship and Study - Suite D

Eat More Beef!
 

Have you ever seen this cow before?  She's been seen around town with a message to Mooooove on over to Journey Baptist Church.  If you see the likes of this cow in your neighborhood, simply give her space to moooove around.  We have heard that it's utterly friendly. 
 
In case you're wondering who this is, we don't know!
 
Actually we do know.  This is the preacher's wife, Jean Rodriguez from Journey Baptist Church in Pine Ridge, West Columbia, SC.  She is doing what she does best, just to have a good time and bringing joy to someone's life.
 
If you get a chance drop her a line at jtrfam@sc.rr.com
 

Mooooving right along!

We had a good attendance on our second day of service.  Several guests returned and several were new attendees. 

Class for Volunteers

Journey Baptist Church wants to make sure that any child under 18 years of age will be safe and secure if they attend our services or go on activities.  We will be offering a class for volunteers to complete before anyone can work in any ministry involving babies, children, and teen agers under 18.  If you're interested in taking our "Protecting Our Now" class, contact the church at 447.7339 or Jeannette Farr our Children's Director (803) 319-2058 or email her at jrosefarr@yahoo.com.  A background check will also be done for anyone applying for these ministries. 


Life Lines for Men

While serving in the U.S. Navy, I came to appreciate the importance of lifelines on a warship.  Life Lines are steel cables that keep people from falling overboard.  In case someone somehow mangaged to get themselves into the ocean by neglect or accident, all nautical vessels also carry life rings that may be tossed to someone in peril after they have fallen overboard.

These Life Lines are important in daily life.  We all need Life Lines as our first defense to keep us from falling off into sin, tempation, into a backslidden stage, or some other struggle in our spirtitual lives.  Life Lines are strong and are interconnected to a steel stantion.  We all need Life Lines, hence these are people in our lives that help us stay where we need to be.

On October 2, Journey will offer our men spiritual Life Lines through bible reading, scripture memorization, journaling and fellowship to help keep us onboard the Victory Ship!

Breakfast will be served at 7 AM on October 2.  A $2.00 suggested offering is suggested.  We will meet in the Teen Center/Fellowship Hall.  Our meeting will last between 7:30 - 8:30 AM.  Please bring your bibles.  Invite someone and bring your sons.

Pastor Hector

Service Times:


Sundays

9:45 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM - Worship Hour
5:30 PM - Evening Service

Wednesdays

6:30 PM Service and Prayer Meeting

Latest article?











Community Fun Day is Sept. 18


The date is Saturday, Sept. 18 and the place is Laurel Baptist Church at 2250 Pine Street, which is at the cross streets between Spires Drive, Emanuel Church Road and West Dunbar Road. This outstanding community church will sponsor a “Community Fun Day”. It will begin at 4 p.m. with an end-of summer fireworks display. Pastor Steve Kitrell and the LBC congregation invite you to come out and have some good ole down-home neighborhood fun and fellowship. There will be fun for all ages according to our friend Charlie Brock. Make plans now to come, meet and greet friends.

Laurel Baptist Church will have a Homecoming Day celebration in November with the kick off for a year-long celebration of its 50th Anniversary of a mission that later became Laurel Baptist Church. Charter members and early-stage members are invited to attend a big dinner in the church’s new addition. They also plan a Golf Tournament Oct. 16.

Congratulations to Sarah Clough, who was named South Carolina Cinderella Woman. Sarah was to have a convertible ride in the Pine Ridge Neighborhood Festival parade on Saturday but the driver became ill and couldn’t provide the car. True character came through when Sarah said “I’ll just walk, the parade must go on”. The parade route was a mile or so long and she was wearing heels. She is a student at U.S.C. Way to go Sarah!

If you were on the parade route and saw someone dressed in a cow suit, it was really Jean Rodriguez, the pastor’s wife of the newly formed Journey Baptist Church in Congaree. She too walked the mile long parade route and in that cow-suit. The “Big Moo Award” goes to Ms. Jean – you made a lovely cow.

Who could have a parade without some troops? Girl Scout Troop 983 under the leadership of Stephanie Sturkey and Carla Shealy marched with pride as they carried their banner 983. Luther Lown, Tim Johnson, Robert Sturkey, Don Eargle and Billy Fleeman led Boy Scout Troop 343 down parade route. What better way to represent a great neighborhood than to have these outstanding leaders and Scout members going the extra mile.

And of course, it’s not a parade without state Rep. Mac Tool, good ole Mayor David Busby, and PR Town council members Daniel Davis, Floyd Dinkins, Vincent Echerer and Roger Simpson all decked out in lime green t-shirts.The parade was a great way to celebrate Simpson’s birthday.

Bringing up the rear of the parade was the Pine Ridge Woman’s Club. Maybe they saved the best for the last? Thanks to Marie Mosser, Hazel Kanipe, Gwen Campbell, Kelly Cowell, Angie Liscushy, Gail Player and pretty little Isabella Mosser, granddaughter of Marie Mosser. This active organization is planning an eventful year and will keep the Chronicle posted on up-coming events.

A team that is used to walking but was riding the parade route on the back of a pick-up-truck was the Airport High School Girls Golf Team. Ronnie Mims and Chuck Blackman are anticipating a busy year playing Gilbert, South Aiken, Chapin and Spring Valley. Good luck for a hole in one!

Service Times:

Sundays
9:45 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM - Worship Hour
5:30 PM - Evening Service

Wednesdays
6:30 PM Service and Prayer Meeting


What's the latest?

It's about the building.  We're still awaiting to occupy our Fellowship Hall/Student Center.  I have been informed that the kitchen needs to meet code.  The kitchen?  Yes! The stove hood, fire extenquishers all need to pass muster.  After this, then special caulking needs to be applied around electrical outlets.  That is to be done Friday or Saturday.  After that project is complete, then they can have a final inspection from the county. 

I have been informed by the owners that we might not be access to the building until early next week.  Wow!  Thank goodness we all know when a Test comes along. 

We had a good turnout on Wednesday night prayer meeting.  We had a new family.  They enjoyed the service and looks like we'll be seeing more of them.

We met some more of our neighbors today while going door to door knocking.  We completed one street which had 92 homes on it.  Today we got two real good prospects and one more possible.


Until Next time,

Pastor Hector

We're off and Running!

September 12 the start date of our new church plant was a great start!  We had 34 in Sunday School, 76 in worship, and 27 at the Sun. PM service. 

Jim Middleton started us off by teaching Sunday School on the subject of "The Bible".  His wife Kelly took prayer requests and led us in prayer.

Several core members manned the hospitality area to assist Janet Grubbs offer juice, coffee and pastries.

Our nursery led by Angel Moore met at Palmetto Design's conference room.  A big thank-you goes to the owners of the buildings, the Jones family for working with us.  Our area is not quite finished yet.  We're hoping everything will be up and running next Sunday.  The children were led by Jeannette Farr who had her group meet outside in the beautiful weather.

Our ushers were led by Greg Moore who also did an outstanding job.

Music was done by different people.  Devon Shelton started us out by singing "I wouldn't take anything for my Journey", followed by Amazing Grace song by Dan and Cassie Marshall, followed by Joyce Leach who played a hymn favorite on the violin, followed by Wendy Bush who sang "Holy Ground". 

Our first message was to celebrate God's provisions on "Buildings and Builders". 

Now the real work begins!

Friends Travel Long Distance

David & Sharon in the Middle of the pack

We were pleasantly surprised to see unexpected friends.  I would guess that David and Sharon Padgett get the prize for driving the longest distance.







Beyond the Call of Duty

Everybody from our core group did a great job in making it a successful first service.  There are no words to say other than they went over and beyond the call of duty.

No Shutter Bugs

We did have one small problem; not a single picture was taken of the first service, but fortunately, Deannie Shelton videotaped some of the service for Cassie.  I'll try to get a still picture from the video so we can have it for our church scrapbook.






Evangelism

Devon Shelton shares the gospel to a local resident.   Pray that we take advantage of thousands of witnessing opportunities when presented with the opportunity.







Buildings

Our Fellowship Hall/Student Center will be inspected this week.  This will be the final inspection.  We expect all to go well.  Once we get the okay, we can get into the buildings and begin to clean, paint, and hopefully have it ready for next Sunday.

Signs

Our signs should be up by the end of the week if not sooner. 

Pine Ridge Festival

We had a great evening at the Pine Ridge Festival on Friday night.  Hundreds of people were handed flyers advertising our church.  Many residents were excited to learn of Journey Baptist Church.  Many said they would attend and several did attend.

Okay, how does it work?

Prop Makes a Great Hit!

The "Ripley's Believe it or Not" prop was a great hit with the kids.  They couldn't figure out how a suspended faucet in midair could put out water.  We give thanks to Jim Filiatrault for his workmanship and allowing us to use the prop.



Neighborhood Canvassing

Mike Roth and I continue to walk the neighborhoods handing out information about the church.  Today we had the opportunity to share the gospel.  It was a delight to brag on Jesus!


Hudson's BBQ

Hmmm! Them's Good Groceries!

My former pastor and his posse' the paid staff of FBC treated me and Jean to lunch at Hudson's BBQ today.  Afterwards they visited Journey Baptist Church were they were given a tour of the property.  Pastor Ralph prayed for continued success and blessings.

Wow! It's been days since my last blog, but it has not been quiet.  In fact, let's not use quiet or any word associated with "nothing going on", quiet, stagnant, or sitting still.

For starters, Julius and myself knocked on some doors on Labor Day.  We actually caught a few home and actually spoke with some.

Jean took off the week in anticipation of the birth of our third grandson.  He finally came late in the week. 

Mike and I also went door knocking.  We met quite a number of people.  All has been good!

Wednesday Service
We gathered at the new church last Wednesday for fellowship, a short devo and to work. 

I challenged our people to think about fasting.  I feel it is important that our new church sense a closeness with God and give up a type of food, a meal or go a full day without eating solids.

Interuption
I'll finish this post when I come back.

New Church Plant - Lexington Chronicle Article

http://www.lexingtonchronicle.com/new-church-coming-to-pine-ridge-p24927-236.htm


Neighborhood Visitation - New Convert
Today September 2 Mike Roth and myself hit the streets to see if we could stir the neighbors a little bit. 

We had a good morning today. We spoke with an elderly man who cried when I began praying for him and his wife. His wife has a thyroid tumor. They have not been to church in many years and appreciated the visit and invite. He said they’ve been waiting to go to a good church and said they would attend.

Another young man had already heard about Journey through people in the community. He was polite and attentive.  We did share the gospel (planted the seed as commanded) with him. He seemed knowledgable about different worldviews and said he wasn't sure about Jesus Christ.  Need to pray for the young man.

We actually spoke to several people which slows us down a lot, but that’s okay. These are quality cold calls we are doing.  One young lady who was working as cashier at a gas station next to the church is interested in learning more about the church. We’ll talk to her again tomorrow when she doesn’t have so many customers.

I did lead a 23 year old man to Christ today. Yeah! Journey has two converts. He had a lot of good questions about truth, other religions, different worldviews, but at the end, God spoke to his conscience and he surrendered his heart unto to the Lord. It was a once in a lifetime experience for him and us. It was the second time I have ever led someone to Christ using my phone. It was like “would you look into my phone and read what’s showing?”. It was actually pretty cool. Our new convert thought it was the coolest thing to have the bible in a cell phone.

It looks like we’ll do morning visitation only until it cools off. We are drenched by around 11 AM. It is so hot and humid. Getting some great exercise! Don’t want to kill my visitation partner. We’ll be back at it again by 8 AM in the morning.

We did see a loose poodle running the streets. The dog wouldn’t listen, so we had to put a gospel tract in his mouth to take back to his owner. Just kidding!

Volunteers Give Time and Resources

Kudos to everyone that has helped shape up the sanctuary.  Everything from window treatment to a door curtain has been installed.

Work Day
Saturday September 4 will be a work day from 9 AM - 12 PM.  If you can help, please join us.  Most of the work involves wiping chairs and light lenses. 

I Know How This Guy Feels!

BZ
To say that we have been busy is truly an understatement.  The month of August had to be one of the busiest months ever.  So many personal events and so many church events. They say that preachers are never to show their tiredness, but I have to say that whoever lived by that rule needs counseling.  Goodnight!

Mock Service
We had our first mini service on Wednesday August 25.  We had 21 in attendance.  It was truly a memorable occasion as members from First Baptist Church and Fellowship Baptist Church join together to become the nucleus to God's church.

These members were guests but officially became members as they joined by letter Journey Baptist Church.  As Journey members, they will now begin to elect officers who will help Pastor Hector navigate the church through it's own journey of growth. 

Construction Permit
It was revealved at the Wednesday night prayer meeting that the permit had stalled at the county level.  However, everyone prayed that this permit would be approved by Thursday August 26.  Sure enough, God answered this prayer.  In God's plan, He had already prepared the exact time and date for authorization, we simply excercised our faith in God's promises, and answered our prayers.  The owners were instrumental in getting the ball rolling as well as Deannie Shelton.  Great job!

This permit allows for construction to begin in the Fellowship Hall/Children's Church building.  I took a peek through the window just yesterday August 31 and saw lots of sheet rock stacked against one wall.

Once construction is complete, our teams will begin painting the different areas.  We're all excited for this to happen.  Each area will have it's own personality and age appropiate themes.

I was assured that construction will be completed in one week or less.  :)

Heading out of Dodge!

Last Day
August 31 was my last day at First Baptist.  I packed up three small boxes of personal belongings and that was it!  Finito!  Actually it was good to take off more keys off my key ring.  That was a good thing.

It was a pleasure working at FBC.  I love everyone there,  It's my family.  However, life changes, and we must move on.  I look forward to big get together's with all the church plants.